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The popularity of crossovers continues to grow in the U.S., and the 2016 Los Angeles auto show was filled with debuts of everything from special editions and redesigned models and all-new nameplates and concepts. Read on for a look at the crossovers and SUVs making their global or U.S. debuts in L.A.

2017 Jeep Renegade Deserthawk

Jeep brought two special-edition Renegade models to L.A. The first is the Jeep Renegade Deserthawk based on the Trailhawk trim. Exterior paint colors include Alpine White, Anvil, Black, or an exclusive Mojave Sand. Cosmetic bits include black 17-inch alloy wheels, hood and rear body decals, rock rails, and Trailer Tow Group. Inside, you’ll find black leather seats with Light Frost stitching and trim, and all-weather floor mats and cargo tray. Like the Trailhawk, the Deserthawk features the full suite of off-road hardware including Jeep Active Drive Low, Selec-Terrain system with Rock mode, 8.7-inch ground clearance, skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, Hill-descent Control, and more. Power comes from the 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 mated to a nine-speed automatic.

2017 Jeep Renegade Altitude

The second special-edition of Jeep’s smallest crossover is the Renegade Altitude. Based on the Renegade Latitude, the Altitude features a blacked out looking including gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear badges, grille rings, and taillight rings. Inside, the Renegade Altitude sports black cloth seats, and high-gloss black trim, and metal diamond accents on the shifter knob and door handles. Drivetrain choices include the 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 and nine-speed auto combo or the turbo 1.4-liter I-4 and six-speed manual. After checking out the Jeep Renegades in person, we think they would be even cooler if both models featured serious off-roading upgrades to complement the visual updates.

2017 Nissan Juke Black Pearl Special Edition

The third special edition model from the Juke Color Studio is the new 2017 Nissan Juke Black Pearl Edition, which features black paint with contrasting white exterior accents, special badging, and Super Black 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there are heated black cloth seats with white inserts and stitching, white and black door inserts, white window switches, HVAC vents, gear selector accents, center console, and steering wheel stitching. Just 1,250 Juke Black Pearl models will be built (1,000 for the U.S. and 250 for Canada) and all will be powered by the 188-hp 1.6-liter turbo-four mated to a CVT with front- or all-wheel-drive.

2017 Nissan Rogue: Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition

Available in Magnetic Black or Glacier White paint, the Nissan Rogue: Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition features unique cosmetic bits to draw attention to the redesigned crossover and the new film. Details include a special badge designed in conjunction with the new movie from Lucasfilm on the front doors, D-pillar “Rebel Alliance” and “Galactic Empire” logo decals, Star Wars logo clear rear bumper protector, and black exterior details including 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the special-edition Rogue features logo floor mats, Star Wars logo illuminated kickplates, “Rebel Alliance” and “Galactic Empire” logos in cupholder inserts, accent lighting. Other standard features include LED headlights, charcoal cloth interior color, power panoramic moonroof, and Bose audio system. Also included is a numbered full-size-replica collectible Death Trooper helmet. Very cool.

New Variants

2017 Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic

For those wanting a mash up of the sporty Range Rover Sport SVR and the luxurious long-wheelbase Range Rover SVAutobiography, Land Rover has the answer: the new 2017 Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic. The SVAutobiography Dynamic rides on the Sport SVR’s standard wheelbase and is powered by the automaker’s supercharged 5.0-liter (550 hp, 502 lb-ft) V-8 mated to an eight-speed auto. Land Rover adds the Sport SVR’s active anti-sway bars and adaptive dampers as well as a set of red Brembo brake calipers and a choice of 21- or 22-inch alloy wheels. Inside, is where you’ll find much of the SVAutobiography’s luxury bits such as 20-way adjustable seats with diamond-quilt leather, and color and veneer choices. In person, the SVAutobiography looks imposing — in a good way — with its sporty exterior styling and luxurious interior details.

Refreshed or Redesigned

Chevrolet Equinox

In addition to heavily revised styling, the new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox rides on GM’s new D2 chassis and features a revamped engine lineup. The base engine is a new turbocharged 1.5-liter (170 hp, 203 lb-ft) I-4 engine, while a new turbodiesel 1.6-liter (136 hp, 236 lb-ft) I-4 is also new. Both engines are mated to a six-speed auto. The top-spec engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter (252 hp, 260 lb-ft) I-4 mated to a nine-speed auto. Chevy claims the new Equinox is up to 400 pounds lighter than the outgoing model thanks to its use of more high-strength steel and the crossover’s smaller footprint.

Honda CR-V

Like the 10th-gen Civic which which it shares a platform, the new 2017 Honda CR-V is larger than its predecessor. As with the Civic, the crossover features a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine making 190 hp in this form, and the previous model’s 2.4-liter I-4 carries over as a base engine. Both engines are mated to a CVT. Inside, there is more passenger and cargo space as well as new infotainment and safety tech.

Jeep Compass

First shown in Brazil, the new 2017 Jeep Compass finally made its U.S. debut riding on a stretched version of FCA’s new “small-wide 4×4” Renegade platform. Power comes from a 180-hp 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine. Front-drive models get a six-speed automatic while four-wheel-drive models feature a nine-speed automatic. A six-speed manual is available with front- and four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive systems include Jeep Active Drive and the Compass Trailhawk model’s standard Jeep Active Drive Low with a 20:1 crawl ratio. Trailhawk models also get a one-inch lift, more aggressive tires, and improved approach and departure angles. Although the outgoing Jeep Compass wasn’t a terrible looking vehicle, the new model’s styling is heavily influenced by the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, making it even more attractive to potential buyers.

Mini Countryman, Countryman PHEV

The 2017 Mini Countryman crossover debuts on BMW’s new UKL2 architecture shared with other newer Mini models and the BMW X1. With its new larger size come revised styling. The old 1.6-liter I-4 engines have been replaced with powertrains including a base turbo 1.5-liter (134 hp, 162 lb-ft) I-3 and a turbo 2.0-liter (189 hp, 207 lb-ft) I-4 for the Countryman Cooper S model. Transmission options include a six-speed auto with the base engine and front-drive, a six-speed manual, or an eight-speed auto. Front-drive is standard, while the automaker’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system is optional. A new plug-in hybrid model is all new for the Countryman and pairs an 87-hp electric motor with the turbo 1.5-liter engine for a combined output of 221 hp and 284 lb-ft. Electric power is stored in a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which can be recharged in three hours and 15 minutes with a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

Mazda CX-5

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover ushered in the Japanese automaker’s Skyactiv suite of vehicle technologies as well as the brand’s current Kodo design language. Despite a 2016 refresh, the automaker has significantly updated the 2017 Mazda CX-5 with tauter styling and more technology. The CX-5 features the new G-Vectoring Control technology, and the current model’s 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter I-4 gasoline engines carry over. The automaker’s 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D turbodiesel I-4 has finally been confirmed for the U.S. Although we thought the original CX-5 was the best-looking model in its class, the new car takes its attractiveness to the next level.

All-New Models

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is an all-new SUV from the Italian automaker that rides on the same rear-drive-based platform as the Giulia sedan. Power comes from the same engines as the sedan, including the turbocharged 2.0-liter (280 hp, 306 lb-ft) I-4 and the twin-turbo 2.9-liter (505 hp, 443 lb-ft) V-6 on the sportiest Stelvio Quadrifoglio model. Both engines are backed by an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive is standard. Although many Motor Trend editors like the Stelvio’s looks, we wonder how much the slanted D-pillar will encroach on cargo space.

Ford EcoSport

Although the Ford EcoSport appeared in global markets in 2003, the U.S. won’t see the subcompact crossover until the 2018 model year. The post-refresh 2018 Ford EcoSport is available with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbo-three or a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter I-4. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission offering. All-wheel drive is standard with the 2.0-liter. Ford will offer a sporty SES model with unique tuning and trim.

2017 Land Rover Discovery (U.S. Debut)

Now in its fifth-generation, the 2017 Land Rover Discovery name returns in the U.S. (replacing LR4). A new unibody chassis replaces the previous steel ladder-frame, which is said to reduce weight by around 1,000 pounds. The supercharged 3.0-liter (340 hp, 332 lb-ft) V-6 carries over, while the automaker’s turbodiesel 3.0-liter (254 hp, 443 lb-ft) V-6 is new to the Discovery. Both engines are backed by an eight-speed auto. Despite its new chassis, the new Land Rover Discovery hasn’t lost its off-read capability. The SUV also features all of the automaker’s latest high-tech off-road electronics. An increase of 5.5 inches overall increases third-row and cargo space. We’re pleased the Discovery name has returned to the U.S. on an off-road-capable vehicle.

Toyota C-HR

After years of teasing, the production Toyota C-HR (Coupe High Rider) has finally been revealed. The new subcompact crossover is powered by a 2.0-liter (144 hp, 139 lb-ft) I-4 mated to a CVT that sends full power to the front wheels. Based on Toyota’s new TNGA platform, the C-HR features a MacPherson strut front suspension up front and double-wishbone rear suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. Expect an all-wheel-drive variant to arrive later. As sporty as the C-HR looks on the show floor, we wonder if its driving experience of the U.S.-spec model will actually top that of the mainstream Honda HR-V.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas

While Subaru is busy teasing a full-size three-row crossover concept at the L.A. auto show, Volkswagen has already shown off it production version. The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas goes toe-to-toe with the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter (238 hp) I-4 or a 3.6-liter (280 hp) VR6. Based on the automaker’s MQB platform, the Atlas is available in front- or all-wheel-drive with the VR6 engine. Volkswagen claims the Tennessee-built Atlas has a “massive interior” and lots of technology.

Concepts

Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV concept

The Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV concept previews the size of the automaker’s next three-row crossover, which is said to be its largest vehicle ever. The concept, however, doesn’t necessarily preview the model’s future design direction. At 204.7 inches long overall, the Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV concept is more than 13 inches longer than the last Tribeca, Subaru’s discontinued three-row crossover.

Jaguar I-Pace concept

At first glance, the electrified Jaguar I-Pace looks much like the F-Pace crossover already on sale. But a closer look reveals the concept crossover has a shorter dash-to-axle ratio, the C-X75 hybrid supercar’s hood scoop, LED exterior lighting, and show-car 23-inch wheels. Motivation for the I-Pace comes from a pair of electric motors – one at each axle – that make a combined 400 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 90-kWH lithium-ion battery pack sits between the axles. Jaguar estimates the EV will sprint to 60 mph in around 4.0 seconds and has a 220-mile range. Expect a production version to be shown in about a year and go on sale in 2018.

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